TW200903343A - Specimen tracking and management - Google Patents

Abstract

Techniques are described for using radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags to track patient specimens throughout the collection and analysis of patient specimens. A series of RFID tags may be used to track the specimens starting with the collection of a patient's tissue specimen at a surgery or examination room, through the process of preparing the specimens at a laboratory, to a specialist's office where the specimens are analyzed, and eventually into storage where the left-over specimen materials may be archived. A database may be used to capture unique identifiers for the RFID tags and other information throughout the process.

Description

200903343 IX. INSTRUCTIONS: [Technical field to which the invention pertains] Regarding anatomical pathology samples, and more specifically, techniques for understanding stomy pathology samples. [Prior Art]: The hospital and clinic department routinely collect biological samples from patients, and analyze ^ ^ ν αθ doctors can perform live biopsy samples of tumors and pathologists analyze biopsy == determine tumors as benign Still vicious. During the process of sample collection and knife analysis, the single-sample is experienced by individuals, departments, and even several components. At the mother-position, the sample can be split into _' to initially place the sample from the patient in one or more: two = (4): 'bottles'. The bottle is then typically sent to the anatomy ": to: the cleavable tissue and the tissue placed on the labeled crystal* to divide the tissue from the previous bottle (for example) into multiple occultants to dehydrate and embed the tissue In the wax to form a block. Immediately after:: (4) from the organization of the single-sample block to prepare one or more loads. In a nutshell, the thin section of the sample block is placed on the slide: (4) the piece is dyed and the slide is added. The slides were taken from the experiment ^ = to the office of the disease ^ where the pathologist analyzes the slide and establishes a pathology report of the record added to the patient. The pathology report is passed to the patient. The remaining load can be saved. Tablet, block or bottle. The appropriate treatment of a patient-specific sample is potentially one of the most important aspects of the sample analysis process. 129459.doc 200903343 One of the key aspects of the sample. Errors in the processing of the sample can result in delays in processing and analysis. Improper information provided to the patient and accidents that are even harmful to the patient. Such errors may even lead to improper treatment of the law. This important aspect is to properly identify each abandoned tile, block and slide. Contents] - Generally speaking, the present invention relates to a technique for managing a characteristic material of a heart by using radio frequency identification (10) ticketing for the process of collecting and arranging the anatomical pathology samples. Zhu Ke The management of patient-specific materials begins with the collection of samples from the patient in the hospital, through the processing of the sample at the laboratory facility, to the analysis of the sample by the pathologist and ultimately to the reservoir of the preservable material. The RFm station deployed throughout the organization and possibly through multiple agencies to track and manage patient-specific materials throughout the process, the RFID station can maintain - or multiple databases to store patient records 'per-patient records Including the patient information and the RFID tag associated with the patient's anatomical pathology sample, the _μ 吟 heart is not paid. In addition, the sample management system can establish interface with other systems, such as used during the process* Management systems and laboratory information systems. ^ Use a variety of techniques to ensure that materials and samples are associated with appropriate patients. For example, for a given case (ca吟 sample management system may require only: confirm that the appropriate sample exists during the process and Described at any particular location ^ transferring digital information between RFID_ or storing it in a central repository, for example, The single tissue sample contained in the subsection 129459.doc 200903343 In the case of multiple organizational blocks, the sample management system can confirm that the digital information of the RFID tag from the bottle is transferred to a series of symbols for the block or another recording block. Prior to successful preparation of the body, all RFID tags for the bottle 2Rfid and assigned to the tissue block were present and within communication range. Similarly, when multiple slides were prepared from tissue from a single tissue block, the sample The management system may require that the digital signal transmission from the block of the RFID tag be transferred to the truncated eve p. n rn huayue RFIDfe far zhili 'the RFID tag for organizing the block and the lamp for the slide It exists and is within communication range. In this way, the sample management system can help ensure that patient-specific materials are associated with appropriate patient records and that no material is lost or is marked at any point by the process. ί,] ^ The method includes: the first anatomical pathology sample "疋 located in the radio frequency identification _ 位于 in the medical facility" antenna, the second anatomical pathology media six „„ Benefits are located within the scope of the RFID antenna 'the first and second anatomical and ^ ^ σ

^ ^ Each sample of the sample is associated with a separate RFID, and the 坌 _ - solution...: The sample container is held as the first sample; at least part of the first - anatomic pathology sample ^ Based on the reading information from the M 7 ^ lamp; the soil from the first - anatomic pathology sample Z ώΜ ± ^ ^ 4 of the poor news to judge the database management of the sample management system 糸έ * The eve of the eve, the 丨* in the < w έ έ recorded, the free sample g 糸 之 抖 抖 转 转 转 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者 患者Ps 2 Anatomical Pathology Sample Container In another embodiment, a system 3 has a radio frequency identification (RFID) standard 129459.doc 200903343, a first anatomical pathology sample container, and a second anatomic pathology sample container with an RFID tag Wherein the second anatomical pathology sample container is held as a sample of at least a portion of the sample held by the first anatomical pathology sample container. The system further includes a sample management system for maintaining patient records and a radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna located within the medical facility, wherein the RFID antenna is configured to read information from the patient records maintained by the database of the free sample management system and utilize the self-patient Record the information read to program the RFID logo of the second anatomic pathology sample container. In another embodiment, a method includes receiving a set of anatomical pathology sample containers at a location of a medical facility, each of the anatomical pathology sample containers having an RFID marker; and interrogating each of the anatomical pathology sample containers One of the RFID markers determines whether the received anatomical pathology sample container represents a full set of anatomical pathology sample containers associated with the source sample obtained from the patient. In another embodiment, a system includes: a radio frequency identification (RFID) station including an RFID reader and an RFID antenna; and a sample management system in communication with the RFID reader, wherein when the RFID station receives each of the radio frequency identification ( The RFID antenna interrogates the RFID marker of each of the RFID markers of each of the anatomic pathology sample containers, and the RFID reader accesses the sample management system to determine Whether the received anatomical pathology sample container represents a full set of anatomical pathology sample containers associated with the source sample obtained from the patient. In yet another embodiment, a printer includes: a print output for printing label information to a label; a radio frequency identification (RFID) encoder embedded in 129459.doc 200903343 for use in a printer for stylization and The RFID tag associated with the tag generated by the printed output, wherein the RFID encoder includes an rfid reader and a first RFID antenna; and a second RFID antenna coupled to the RFID reader for use in the RFID tag The information is read, wherein the reader confirms the accuracy of the information encoded by the RFID tag on the tag based on the information read from the RFID tag.

In one embodiment, a method includes: printing a label to a label using a print output of a printer; and encoding (1) an encoder into the printer to program the label produced by the print output An associated radio frequency identification (RFID) tag; reading the RFID tag using a second rfid antenna coupled to the RFm reader; and confirming the stylization onto the tag based on information read from the 111?1 mark The accuracy of the information on the RFID logo. In another embodiment, a method comprises: collecting - or a plurality of tissue samples from a patient at a surgical location within the medical facility; staging and containing - or a plurality of tissue samples at the surgical site - a set of anatomic pathology samples a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the container; the R FID flag, the identifier associated with the patient record associated with the patient in the first information management system; the set of anatomical pathology sample containers received at the laboratory One or more of them; at least one rfid mark of the anatomical pathology sample container is inquired at the laboratory to be screened for corruption; the identification information is used to retrieve patient information from the first information management system; and patient information is obtained Stored in the laboratory information system. In a further embodiment a system comprises: a radio frequency identification (RFID) station in the operating room for collecting from a patient - or a plurality of tissue samples, the RFID station in the operating room being configured to be programmed with - or more Tissue sample - 129459.doc 200903343 The group anatomic pathology sample container associated RFID tag and in the first information system, the identifier of the RFID tag is first associated with a patient record associated with the patient; And an RFID station in the laboratory for receiving one or more of the set of anatomical pathology sample containers and processing tissue samples, in the laboratory

The RFIE> station is configured to interrogate at least one RFID tag of the anatomical pathology sample container to obtain identification information, use the identification information from the first information management department, 'learn the patient's information first, and store the patient information in the experiment. Room information system. In another embodiment, a method includes: grouping, within the sample management system, a rule or a rule to define a soft 砼 for a anatomical pathology sample with a radio frequency identification (RFID) marker, The route 'where the route includes two or more boxes with the take-up on the B g on the expected position' and the set of rules includes the anatomical pathology used to make the crying A m Μ each 15 on the route The expected time period of travel between the two of the expected locations. The s-hai method further comprises: receiving an anatomical pathology at a location, and then using an RFID reader to query the anatomy of the RFID sample of the gamma sampler; and storing the time based on the query The time and location of the sample container is indicated by the sample tube. In yet another embodiment, the inserting system includes: a sample management system having a set of one or more rules, and the sample management system in the reticle presents a user interface to configure the set of rules to define B for anatomy with radio frequency identification (RFID) markers

The route of the pathology sample container, A, 'eight routes include at least two locations within the medical facility. The system proceeds to the R]FId station at the mother of the 3 position to inquire about the RFID symbol of the cylinder of the pathological sample container at the respective position, the 129459.doc 200903343 RH / 1 system application rule to The anatomical pathology sample container within the medical facility is automatically provided based on one or more of the locations t to determine the post-route alert as defined by the set of rules. In the case of double 6: %, a method consists of 'configure-group- or multiple intra-analytic pathological specimen containers and sample management systems." Two types of anatomical pathology The second type of anatomical pathology in the time period 1 between the sample container and the patient is a sample of at least a portion of the sample of the first type of anatomical pathology container. The method is further included in The sample management department, _ detects that the second type of anatomical pathology sample container provides an alarm when it has not been associated with the patient record during the time period. In another embodiment, a system includes radio frequency identification (Rfi(7) standard~ a type of anatomical pathology sample container, and a container with Rf rods = = section pathology sample container, the second type of solution: disease to 7 valley group is held by the first type of anatomical pathology sample container a sample of at least a portion of the sample held by the 帛. The system further includes a sample tube (4) with a group, or a plurality of rules, wherein the sample tube 2 system presents a user interface to the group The set of rules defines a time period in which it is contemplated to use the information associated with the RFID markers of the first type of anatomical pathology sample to program the RFID target of the second type of 7 sample container. In an embodiment, a method includes: group 1, , and/or a rule in a sample management system to define an expected sequence of actions to be performed on a type of tissue sample 129459.doc 200903343 j. At different locations within the medical facility, the radio frequency identification of the anatomical pathology sample containing the tissue sample corresponding to the type of έ, and the tissue sample of the woven sample, Up T h, ) Take information; in the sample management system, each of the inquiries - 4 times ^ * ^ - Beixun is stored in association with the organization sample '. Who has recorded' and is determined based on information in the sample management system Providing an alert when one or more actions within the expected sequence of actions have not yet occurred. In yet another embodiment, a method includes: registering a patient at a patient entry location; associating the patient with the examination room; storing the association Within the information management system, the patient is provided with a radio frequency identification (RFID)-labeled patient identification item; the patient is received in the examination room; the patient is asked to identify the item's RFID symbol in the examination room to obtain the patient's order - in the case of Bebe, use Patient identification information to access the information management system; and providing an alert when the examination room receiving the patient does not correspond to the associated examination room. ^ In another embodiment, a microscope includes: a platform for installation Viewing the slide 'where the slide is associated with a radio frequency identification (rfid); a lens for amplifying the slide; an eyepiece for viewing an enlarged view of the slide; and a nano reader for loading An RFID tag mounted on a tablet on a platform. % In another embodiment, a system includes a microscope having a cassette for mounting a slide associated with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a bamboo raft, for a lens for amplifying the carrier' and an RFID reader for interrogating the RFID tag of the carrier when the carrier is mounted on the platform; and a user-side device different from the microscope A display which displays a single view from the microscope enlarged view of the slide obtained and 129459.doc -12 · 200903343 of patient data obtained from the information management systems. In a known example, a method includes: presenting each set of objects sequentially to a coffee reader, wherein each of the objects is associated with each other; using an RFID reader to query each of the objects One of the RFID4 - obtain information related to the object; call the information related to the object within the time period after the object is removed; and confirm the group of objects as a whole group based on the recalled information. The technology of the present invention provides one or more advantages. For example, these techniques: improving the tracking and management of anatomical pathology samples. As another example, and the like can help avoid errors, such as misplaced carriers, blocks, and slides, or samples that are erroneously associated with the wrong patient. The following is a description of the invention, or a plurality of embodiments, in the accompanying drawings and description. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings. [Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary network environment 2 in which radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is used to manage patient-specific materials throughout a sample collection and analysis process. The network environment 2 can be located in a single institution, such as a large hospital, a door θ σ卩 or other health care facility. Alternatively, network environment 2 can span multiple configurations. In the example of FIG. 1, network environment 2 includes sample management systems (SMs) 4 that can access a plurality of geographically distributed locations via network 6. SMS * can be an information management system. As described in more detail below, the health facility using (10) 4 can utilize the RFID logo' to help ensure that during the process of sample collection and analysis 129459.doc 13 200903343 Properly track patient-specific materials

For example, an RFID tag can be attached to, embedded in, or otherwise associated with the following items to track a tissue sample throughout the collection, preparation, and analysis process: a wristband, such as a sample bottle The container, tissue block, pathology slide, storage box or potted physical object within the environment 2. SMS 4 stores digital information that defines patient records. Each patient record is usually associated with a different patient and can be referred to as a patient or multiple: cases. Each disease can, for example, indicate that the patient is different from the health facility and that a set of unique identifiers is assigned to the titanium of the anatomical pathology sample associated with the patient's visit. The network environment 2 can use an RFID reader to take the programmatic RFID tag at the sample self-checking position or the operation of the laboratory to the laboratory 16, to the pathologist 2, and finally to the saver. At each of the different locations of the process, the RFID stations at their locations read the RFiD flag associated with the sample to update the status and record the timestamp in the database of the lighter, the sample management system 4, or both. Inside. Initially, the patient 10 arrives at a healthcare facility (e.g., a hospital, clinic, or an eight-person institution)' and uses the patient management system 9 to log in at the patient entry point 8. The receptionist can access the information about the new patient 1 in the patient's system 9, update any patient information in the patient management system, and record the fact that the patient ίο has been registered. The patient management system 9 can be an information system. At this point, the patient 10 can receive the patient with the embedded RFID tag and synchronize the information in the sample management system 4 with the information in the patient management system 9. For example, the patient record 129459.doc -14- 200903343 in the sample management system 4 records the unique identifier of the RFID marker in the patient identification wristband and the identification information that uniquely identifies the patient information within the patient management system 9 (eg, , patient identifier) is updated. Additionally or alternatively, the RFID identification within the patient identification wristband can be programmed to store patient identification information of the patient management system 9. After the initial treatment, the patient 1 is usually transferred to the examiner's collection site or the examination site or the operating room 12 of the plurality of tissue samples. This can occur in the case of multiple medical procedures. For example, patient 10 can remove tissue during an endoscopic procedure. As another example, a patient's fistula may be subjected to a skin biopsy by a dermatologist. As yet another example, the patient can completely remove the tumor or organ by the surgeon. The sample is placed in one or more bottles 14 having the label of the ruler. Although described in terms of bottles, other methods are used to hold the sample, such as cans, boxes, or other sizing devices, as described in more detail below, the RFID tags of the bottles can be programmed to include patient identification information. , bottle identifier (ID), description of stored samples, and other information. Alternatively, the sample management system 4 may update the patient record to record a unique identifier for the RFID tag of the U-U containing the patient's sample. The bottle 14 is then transferred to a laboratory 16 ("laboratory 16,,) (such as anatomy 'to the inspection'), which may be at various locations within or outside the mechanism. The cow is a case. The bottle 14 can be pneumatically fed from the examination room or operating room 12 via the tube to the laboratory 16 °. The RFID tag of the bottle can be interrogated at various locations during the process of transferring the bottle 14 from the chamber 12 to the laboratory 16. In the laboratory

, 3 is taken from the bottle item by the smart reader associated with the sample management system 4. For example, the ruler can be used to update the bottle in the bottle to reflect the patient's record by updating the status of the patient's record in SMS 129459.doc 15 200903343 4 is now in the laboratory 16 = to 6 Can be used to confirm the correct numbering of the bottle 14, ', 16 for processing. Section 4 can also be used to confirm that a mixture of patient cases has not occurred, that is, the group of bottles belongs to only a single patient case. In addition, in the embodiment, information can be transferred between the SMS4 and the separate laboratory information system (10)). The us database 22 can be part of the laboratory information management system. SMS 4 may require full rental for patient cases before allowing information to be transferred from Simplified 4 to US Repository 22. In other embodiments, network environment 2 may not include a separate us database η. At the laboratory 16, the samples contained within the bottle 14 are processed as will be described in more detail below. At this point, the tissue block and slide 20' are typically prepared at the laboratory 16 and each includes an RFID tag. The term "block" can be used to refer to a treated sample (ie, a dehydrated sample that has been lost in the soil), and a container that holds the sample after it is retained (which can be referred to as a crystal (7). (d) in a block The unique identifier of the RFID tag of the body financial tablet 20 is recorded in the patient record in the sample management system 4, and can be based on the 10 flag of each bottle 18 and the bottle 14 from which the carrier 2 is derived. The information stored therein is used to program the RHD logo. In this manner, the sample management system 4 helps ensure that the correct patient's poor news is associated with each of the block 18 and the slide 2Gt. The slide 2 is then transferred to the pathology. The physician's office 24 can transfer the block 8 and any remaining bottles 14 to the holder 30. Alternatively, the blocks 18 and 14 can remain in the laboratory 16 or be discarded. 129459.doc -16- 200903343: After the Office of Pathology 24 24, the information can be read from the carrier by the RFID reader with the sample management system. For example, the leg-benefit can be used to update the patient in SMS 4. Recorded to load the sputum into the pathologist's office 24 to reflect for the patient The slide 20 is now; the pathology is given to the office 24. The SMS 4 can also be used to confirm the correct numbering of the slides. That is, all slides 20 prepared for a given disease have arrived at the pathologist's office 24. SMS 4 Can also be used to confirm not yet

The mixture of heart and patient cases is also ‘that is, the group of slides belongs to only a single case. The pathologist or assistant can use the SMS 4 and/or LIS 22 or patient management system 9 to access information about the associated patient using a message stored on the RFID tag associated with the slide 20, a pathologist (such as) The sample is analyzed by examining the slide 20 through a microscope, and a pathology report is generated based on the analysis. Once the pathologist's office 24 has completed the slide 2, the slide 20 can be sent to the holder 30 for long term storage. Upon arrival at the saver, information can be read from the bottle 14, block 18 and slide 20 by another R F D reader in the saver 3 associated with the sample management system 4. For example, a ruler (10) reader can be used to register the bottle 14, the block 18 and the slide 20 into the holder 3 by updating the patient record in the SMS 4 to reflect the bottle 14, the block 18 and the slide. 20 is now located at the 3rd place of the saver. The SMS 4 can also be used to confirm the presence of the correct numbering of the bottle 14, block 18 and slide 20 for a particular case. In this way, RFID technology is used to track patient-specific materials throughout the sample collection and analysis process. These techniques can be used to ensure proper association between the patient 1 and the bottle 4, the block 18, and the slide 20, and ultimately with the appropriate association with the pathologist report for the sample 129459.doc 17 200903343. The techniques can be used to store digital information (eg, a 'unique RFID tag identifier') in a sample management system database to associate patient-specific materials with patient records and/or to transfer through a series of RFID tags throughout the process. Digital information, that is, from the initial entry of the patient and the initial collection of the sample to the final report of the patient. 2 is a block diagram showing a simplified view of certain components of a network environment 2 within a healthcare facility. In this example, network environment 2 includes a sample management system

(SMS) 4, which is used to track a patient's sample and a sample held in or on a physical container such as the bottle 14, the block 18 and the slide 20 of Figure 1. In addition, the clinic 8 can utilize SMS 4 to track other items, such as patient records regarding dictation of the collected samples, pathology reports, or other items within the organization. As described, the network environment 2 uniquely identifies the RTM target of the item to which the RFID tag is attached, for example, by a unique serial number associated with the rfid flag. Furthermore, SMS 4 can write additional information to the RFID tag, such as 'identification information for a particular patient or case associated with the sample, s, information about the physical bottle or block from which the sample originated, identification has Information about the user of the sample action, indicating when the organization collected or processed the time stamp or multiple time stamps, identification information for the operating room, laboratory or pathologist, pu • female clothing information, and other information. Further, the RFID stations 42A to 42N (, RFID station 42" of the SMS 4 operate in a frequency range defined by the electric spectrum, for example, having a hopper frequency of +/- 7 coffee.

· 56 MHz. However, other frequencies are available for RFID applications. For example, some ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID systems operate at approximately 129459.doc -18-200903343 900 to 928 MHz or 2 to 3 GHz. Different containers for use in the process may have RFID tags operating in different frequency ranges. For example, bottle 14 may have a UHF RFID tag, while block 18 and slide 20 have an RFID tag that operates at 1 3.5 6 MHz. Other combinations are contemplated. In some embodiments, the RFID station 42 can be a hybrid station that utilizes both an RFID reader and a barcode reader. In addition to or in lieu of RFID tags, bottles, blocks, slides, or other items may have a bar code. The RFID tag itself can take any number of forms without departing from the scope of the invention. Examples of commercially available RFID tags include the 3MTM RFID logo purchased from 3M Company of Saint Paul of MN, or the "Tag-it" RFID interrogator purchased from Texas Instruments of Dallas, TX. RFID tags, usually including operations Optionally connected to an integrated circuit of an antenna that receives RF energy from a source and backscatters RF energy in a manner well known in the art. The backscattered RF energy provides RFID tag modulation to convey an RFID tag Signals of information about its associated items. SMS 4 may provide a database 41 or otherwise communicate with the database 41 to store each of the bottles 14, blocks 18, slides 20 or other items used in the sample collection and analysis process. The information library 410 may be located in the healthcare facility. Alternatively, the database 41 may be located at a remote location and accessible remotely via the healthcare facility. The SMS 4 may be network connected or otherwise coupled to one or A plurality of client computing devices 50A through 50C enable users 52 at various RFID stations 42 to program the logo and/or access data relative to their items. The RFID station 42 typically includes couplings to antennas 44A through 44A ( ΠAntenna 44”) The RFID readers 48 Α to 48 Ν are used to interrogate the RFID tag 129459.doc -19- 200903343 fixed to the article and program the RFID tag as needed. Sms 4 may also be coupled to a separate client computing device not associated with the 'D station 42, such as the client computing device 50A. The user 52 can use the client computing device 50A to view the history of a particular sample, for example, where the sample originated, its current location and previous location, and the timestamp at each location. Although not illustrated, the SMS 4 can use other RFID readers, such as a palm-catcher, a doorway installation associated with an examination room and a program room, or a corridor. A reader, a smart storage with a built-in Na reader. Location, and the like 0 The RFID station 42 can be located at various locations along the collection and processing process within the healthcare facility. For example, the 'cafe 42' can be located in the patient access 8, the examination room or operating room 12, the laboratory 16, the pathologist's office 24, or the holder 30. For example, the user 52 at the examination room or operating room 12 can use the RFID printer/encoder (not shown) at the RFID station 42A to print and encode the tag with the RFID tag for the viewer 14 for the user. 52 may collect the sample collection and program the RFID on the bottle 14 by placing the sample containing bottle 14 on or near the RFIDs (e.g., RFIDs 42a) and interacting with the client computing device. In particular, after sensing and interrogating the RFID tag attached to the bottle 14 or intended to be placed in the bottle u, the SMS 4 can record the unique identifier for the curry mark in the database 41. SMS 4 can then access the RFID logo to programmatically collect the date and time. As further extended below, '(10)4 may direct the user 52 via a series of steps for two recognition: all necessary items associated with the current case of the given patient 10 are present and properly programmed, and are not detected from multiple Items of a patient's case. When the item of = 129459.doc -20- 200903343 version 14, block 18 or slide 2〇 is in the position-to-position position, you can ask each person's ruler 1^11) to check the group. The integrity, the mix of cases, to determine the bottle 14, block 18 or ^ > or other confirmation procedures.

The RFID printer/encoder device for printing labels can have a first RFID antenna with a limited alignment and positioned to produce the output of the printed label. The rib antenna can be used to program the label in parallel with the printed label. The RFID printer/encoder device can include additional antennas that can be used to validate that the RFID tag is properly programmed after it has been removed from the printer and placed on the item. Additional RFID antennas can also be used for other chasing tasks. The device will enable the user to control which antenna to use at a given time and can use the fast switching method 0 when no antenna is specified - similarly, after receiving a bottle M for a group of cases at the laboratory 16 The user 52 can use the RFID station 42 located in the laboratory 16 to confirm the presence of all of the bottles 14 for the case and to record the receipt of the bottles. In particular, after sensing and interrogating the RFID tag embedded in the bottle 14, the SMS 4 can record the time stamp in the database 4 1 in association with the unique identifier of the ruler 171. When the block 18 is to be prepared outside of the sample from the bottle 14, the user 52 can use the RFID station 42 to program the RFID tag on the block 18 using information stored on the RFID tag of the bottle 14, such as The bottle 14 and the block 18 are simultaneously placed on the antenna pad 44. Similarly, when the carrier 2 will be prepared outside of the sample from the block 18, the user 52 can use the information stored on the RFID tag on the block 18 to program the load 129459 using rFID$42. The RFID on the slice 20 of doc 200903343 is labeled, 'for example, by placing the block mail or a plurality of pieces on the antenna pad 44 at the same time. In this way, the network environment 2 ensures that the digital information is transferred from the bottle to the pair and transferred from the block to the corresponding slide.

The pathologist's office 24 and the use of the preserver paste similarly use the RFID station 42 to confirm that all of the pre-(four) sub-cases 14 for the case, the bulk-storage piece 20 is present, and that the bottle will receive the record at a given location. In the database of (10)*. In this way, (10) various points in the sample collection and analysis process are used together with RFIDW2 to establish and maintain the custody chain of the sample, and to ensure proper patient identity and case information and each bottle during the process and analysis 14. The block 18 and the slide 2 are associated. In some embodiments, SMS 4 may partially provide an RFID inventory management system to manage a detailed inventory of incoming bottles, blocks, slides, and other items. Health care facilities may include "wisdom enabled by rFID, storage areas (eg, shelfs, vertical fUe, vans, bins, cabinets, boxes, or other locations). The storage area may be equipped with one or more antennas for interrogating the RFID tags to help instantly determine which objects are located in each of the storage areas. The antennas may be positioned in various ways, such as at the top of the storage area or On the bottom, at the back of the storage area' or vertically supported to be scattered among the items. The antenna can be trimmed to an existing storage area or built into the storage area and purchased as a unit. Information collected by SMS 4. Can be used to locate samples and track (for example) the cycle time and efficiency of one or more people working with samples. Micheie a 129459.doc 200903343

Waldner's application on March 3, 2003, in the same application and co-transfer titled "MULTI-LOOP ANTENNA FOR RADI〇_ FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION', is described in US Patent No. M61993 and has "intelligence" A storage area iRFID tracking system and an example of an exemplary RFID antenna for use in such a system is incorporated herein by reference. /MS 4 typically includes a plurality of software groups executed on one or more feeding devices, such as a web server, an application server, and/or a database server, to perform the methods described herein. Features. The software module includes instructions executable by the programmable processor and can be stored in a computer readable storage medium such as a memory or a disc. The SMS database 41 can be deployed across one or more database servers and can be associated databases, multi-dimensional databases, object-oriented databases, federated databases, a series of flat standards, or other appropriate Data storage agency. In one embodiment, SMS 4 includes software to present a management user interface to allow an administrator or other authorized user to configure the coffee. With the interaction of the patch user interface, the administrator can define a set of rules. Each rule defines = the associated action that is triggered by the SMS 4 after triggering the individual rules (i.e., the criteria for meeting the rules). The SMS 4 stores the defined rules in the SMS repository 41. The rules engine in SMS 4 is sms by sms, and is transferred to the database of the patient management system 9 system 22 (such as the patient, container, and the cycle between the patient and the patient) Similar information) to assess the rules (for example) periodically or in response to a dispute (for example, the expiration of the timer or Ϊ 29459.doc -23· 200903343 in response to the query of the RFID standard from the user side The new device is received in the computing device %) to evaluate the rules. As an example, an administrator can configure - a set of solutions for each type used in a healthcare facility: rules to define the line of the anatomical pathology sample of the parent type used. That is, the route may specify two or more different locations within the facility 'expected to be inquired at the locations (ie, induction or process, for example, Ying Wang trial g) Gu Yukou configurable one Or a rule to specify a pre-line for the bottle 14 for the operating room 12 - Lab 16 - Saver 30. As another: Real = can be grouped or multiple rules to specify the expected path for the slide 20: 6 - Pathologist 24 - Saver 30. In this way, the route refers to a sequence of locations traversed by a particular type of container of the (fourth) period after establishment (i.e., after being associated with the patient record). The = rule may also define a two-j time period for traveling between two or more of the above anatomical pathology. The SMS 4 receives the anatomical pathology sample at each location: or, after shipping the container from that location, the lamp (1) reader is used at each location to interrogate the tendon label of the anatomical pathology sample container. The coffee ° stamp is used to indicate that the anatomical pathology sample container is received and/or shipped:::; and location. The SMS 4 can initiate a timer when a given location is queried at a particular location, such as recording the RFm flag and the corresponding container is already at:: = Registered or Departed. Failure to arrive at the next place along the route within the defined expected time period after leaving at the previous location (ie, "source:, location") will also provide a container for (4) 4 May I lose instructions. 129459.doc -24- 200903343 SMS 4 can provide a variety of alerts to users based on the activation of four or more rules (four). The SMS 4 can be communicated as a message on the client computing device 5G via email, beer search, automated voice message or other means, for example, based on one or more of the locations along the route to the RFIG The anatomical pathology sample in the medical facility is determined by the inquiry of the sign - the shipment of the sputum is not adhered to the route defined by the container of the type 〖as a separate list, the SMS 4 can be sampled in the anatomical disease ί The expected location of the container route or the self-service alarm when the same-position is price-tested. As another example, the SMS 4 may automatically rotate the anatomical pathology sample for more than an expected time period, such as for a maximum expected time period for the scientific sample container to travel the route between two of the locations along the route. Provide an alert. - The officer can also interact with SMS 4 to establish the expected number of anatomical pathology associated with the records of the different types of subjects. Multiple rules. For example, an administrator or clinician can - expect a skin biopsy to produce a rule that will be used for another. The rule of the tumor or clinical S can establish the rules for specifying one to four bottles 14 that are intended to be used to remove the administrator. __ π.', can interact with SMS 4 to specify the part of the sample that defines the number of samples to be used for storage of ±5 types of ^ ^ 理 容 容 容 容 容 容 指定 指定 指定 指定 指定:Γ Then. For example, an administrator can establish a woven block called a regular tamping bottle 14 that produces at least one and no more than ten levels. "Ribe can also define a type of anatomical pathology sample container (9) 129459.doc -25- 200903343 The association between the bottle or the block) and the patient record in the SMS 4 and the second type = the time period between the pathology sample container (eg, block or slide) and the patient record. In this way, it is possible to establish, for example, a tissue bottle string to erode + as, and the δ recorded association should be followed by at least one tissue block within a defined time period (eg, twenty-four hours). The rules for the association of the same string of records. The SMS 4 monitors the poor material received from the client computing device 50, initiates an association within 1 000 when the association between the tissue container and the patient record is detected, and the number of containers associated with the patient record does not match " An alert is generated in the case of a number of tenures or in cases where certain types of containers are not associated with patient records within a specified expected time period. The external g-officer can interact with SMS 4 to specify a patient or amnesty to be defined One or more rules of the expected sequence of actions performed by the type of tissue sample

L, J + and Q, a rule can be established to specify the tissue that is expected to be harvested at a particular surgical location. The rule may further specify that the 3L is expected to be woven. σ is sent to the laboratory [6] for use in the list of defined programs or tests (often referred to as actions) - or more. The specific location and the list of expected actions for each location may vary depending on the type of sample managed by SMS 4. Similar rules can be defined based on the type of medical condition. Data based on the query of the RFID tag of the sample container, and the bedding 'SMS evaluation rule' received from the patient management system 9 or the patient-specific data received by the information system 22 and one of the expected action sequences An alert is provided when more than one action has not occurred. Alternatively, the administrator may interact with the SMS 4 to specify one or more rules issued by the inquiry 129459.doc 26-200903343 based on the ^^1 flag associated with the patient identification bracelet or other identified item. For example, an administrator may define rules to provide an alert when the patient's examination room or laboratory 12 does not correspond to the patient's assigned examination room or laboratory. The patient identification bracelet can be asked at the examination room or laboratory u using a palm-type RFID device or a doorway RFID reader when the patient enters the examination room. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary process performed by a healthcare facility while utilizing the RFID sample management and tracking techniques described herein. Figure 3 provides a basic overview of the process of collecting, processing, and analyzing one or more samples obtained from a patient. The individual steps of the process are described in more detail below. Initially, after the patient arrives at the health facility, that is, during the patient's entry into the patient 8, the patient's identity and other information are obtained from the patient (6()). The healthcare facility can establish or update patient records within the patient management system 9 to reflect that the patient has been registered. Patient records may also be created or updated within the SMS database 41 during patient entry; alternatively, this may occur at a later time, such as when a sample is collected from a patient in an examination room or surgery room. A tissue sample (62) is collected by a surgeon or other medical practitioner self 10 at the operating room or during the examination. The sample can be placed in a container marked with a deleted mark (such as bottle 14), and the sample system 4 can be updated to make the RFID; associated with the patient record. @ 2 1々日关如送瓶瓶14 to Anatomical Pathology Only to (64). The laboratory receives the vial 18, processes the sample from the bottle 14 into a block 18, and processes the sample from the block into a slide 20 (66). , his sample is cut or otherwise. For example, a sample from a bottle may be referred to as a source sample r ^ ^ , which is used for each of the samples used to process the block into a block from the sample. The sample management system 4 is updated to record the 129459.doc -27-200903343 recording of the RFID of the block 18 and the slide 20 for patient recording, and the slide 20 is sent to the analysis sample and the pathologist reports the pathologist. (4)). The medical practitioner (such as ' performing a sample collection surgeon) can communicate the results of the pathologist's analysis to the patient (10). The remaining bottles Μ, block 18 and slide 20 can then be saved as an action (72) reflected in the information maintained by the sample management system 4. Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating in more detail an example process for utilizing the 111?11) flag during patient entry. The patient is registered to the health facility (78) by providing patient identity and other information. If the patient-related information already exists in the patient management system 9, the data (8()) can be accessed and updated to reflect that the patient has been registered. If the patient has not been represented in the patient management system 9, the patient's information can be added to the patient management system at the time of registration. The personal information of the patient can be associated with the unique patient identifier (ie, the record number) within the patient management system 9. )Associated. At this time, the patient record can also be established in sms 4, and the patient identification item containing the RFID tag can be provided to the patient. The patient identification item can take a variety of forms, such as a bracelet, a plaque to be worn around the neck or on the garment, an adhesive ID tag attached to the back of the garment, or other items. The patient identification information (such as the unique patient identifier of the patient management system 9) can be utilized to program the patient identification criteria (82) and the patient identification RFID signature is provided to the patient to remain in the healthcare facility. Wear during the period. In addition, the patient record within the SMS 4 can be updated to record a unique serial number within the RFID tag of the item (e.g., bracelet) and patient identification information from the patient management system 9. The patient identification bracelet can also include human readable labels and/or machine readable information, such as bar codes. 129459.doc • 28 - 200903343 Patients can be associated with the program room during the registration process and can be stored in a credit management system such as Patient Management System or SMS 4. When the patient is received at the procedure room, the patient can be asked to identify the RFID tag of the item and use the patient identification information obtained from the RFID tag to access the information management system. A door RFID reader, a palm-type rfid reader, or a full-room RFID reader can be used to query the 111?11) flag associated with the patient. The information management system can be used to confirm that the patient is at the correct surgical location, for example, by determining if the patient is in a procedure associated with the patient. The information management system can provide an alert if a patient is detected in an incorrect surgical position. Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating in more detail an example process for using the rfid flag and sample management system 4 during sample collection. When the patient enters the examination room or operating room, the assistant can use the RFID reader to scan the patient's identification bracelet and, if not already established, open a new case for the patient in SMS 4 (86). For example, SMS 4 and patient management system 9 can be linked such that when SMS 4 obtains the patient's unique string identifier from the rfID flag on the patient identification bracelet, SMS 4 can input patient data from patient management system 9 To SMS 4. Alternatively, the SMS 4 can simply store metrics or references to appropriate patient data in the patient management system 9 without having to enter all patient data. As another example, the assistant can manually enter patient data into the SMS 4 via a user interface. In an example embodiment, the user interface can be a touch screen interface. In any case, the assistant opens a new case entry in sms 4 that can have a unique case identifier. New cases in SMS 4 will store all 129459.doc -29- 200903343 data related to the samples to be collected from the patient on this occasion. The medical practitioner then proceeds to collect tissue samples from the patient (88). As mentioned above, Tian Tian 4 sees the case of a special patient, and any of the procedures used for sample collection can be used. For example, tissue from the esophagus or colon can be collected via endoscopy. The medical practitioner or assistant places the sample in the total bottle (90). The bottle can have a human readable label • and/or the machine can sell tags and tickets. The RFID logo can be integrated into a portion of the Class A readable label or the two can be individually attached to the bottle. For example, the RFID tag can be placed on the side or lid of the bottle so as not to obscure the view of the contents of the bottle. As another example, the r(10) mark can be transparent. In an embodiment, the bottle may be provided by a carrier dispenser including a printer/encoder that prints the human readable label and encodes (stylized) with the unique identifier when the bottle exits the unit The RFID logo on the label. The label can be attached to the bottle before, during or after the bottle exits the unit. The global unique ID can be used to program the female parent. The RFID enabled bottle dispenser can be configured to dispense bottles in a sterile manner. The assistant can actuate the button or click on the mouse to automatically initiate the printing, stylization and dispensing of the bottle. Alternatively, the forceps dispenser can simply • dispense a sterile bottle and print/process the label and/or RFID mark after placing the tissue in the bottle. The bottle (92) can be programmed with information such as information obtained from the patient identification bracelet or SMS 4, or information manually described by the assistant to describe the sample. The stylization of the bottle can be initiated automatically by the SMS 4 or by a user such as an assistant. In one embodiment, the bottle dispenser can include a 129459.doc • 30-200903343 internal RFID reader/program to program the rFid of the new bottle with the appropriate case identifier, patient identifier, program identifier or other information. The flag is recorded and the time stamp and location are recorded in SMS 4 to identify when and where the new bottle was first used. In another embodiment, the assistant can program the bottle at the individual RFID station 42 (Fig. 2) with the RFID antenna 44 using the client computing device 5〇. The client computing device 50 can present a user interface for accessing the SMS 4, and the user interface can guide the assistant through the process of programming each of the bottles. For example, the software application may allow the assistant to confirm that the entire set of bottles is present and has been successfully programmed (94). The software application may also prompt the user to confirm that the identified bottle matches the patient identification stored on the patient identification wristband or patient management system 9, which may be made available via the application programming interface (Αρι) (96). At the beginning of the stylization process, the user is free to select the appropriate case information from the list of cases presented by SMs 4. The list may include selection filters that have only been selected by the filter applied by the SMS 4, "cases, such as for the most recent program based, program location, type of program, and the like." For example, a health facility can use a central programming station instead of a stylized bottle in a surgical room. After the procedure, the user takes the sample bottle out of the central stylized table and selects the case. And staging the bottle based on the selected information. When stylizing the RFID tag of the bottle, the user may select one of a plurality of pre-programmed RFID tags, the plurality of pre-programmed rfid logos utilized and different types The program associated with the surgical procedure is pre-programmed. The user can then pre-program the selected 129459.doc • 31 · 200903343 imD logo with the program ID to the RFID antenna 44 for easy and quick use of the sample. The bottle is programmed and/or updated by the information of a particular type of program. In one embodiment, the RFm antenna 44 can be switched to electricity. The system (e.g., via the client computing device 5) and presenting the pre-programmed RFID-labeled program ID to the RFm antenna 44 allows the sms* to control the telephone device to dial the dictation phone number. The SMS then automatically responds to The pre-programmed RFID logo is used to upload and record a certain standard dictation. In addition, the medical practitioner who prompts the executive program can enter the specific dictation for the case. In this way, the SMS 4 ensures that the bottle is properly labeled and Associated with the correct patient information. The bottle can then be sent to a phasing laboratory for treatment of the sample (98). The scorpion can be checked during transport to the laboratory. The laboratory can be used to collect samples. The office may be in a central location within the health care facility, or may be in an external location. When the laboratory is in a health care facility, the bottle may be transferred to a κ-test via a pneumatic transfer mechanism or other transfer method. The bottle should be transferred Information about where to store it on the RFID tag on the bottle or associated with the patient record in SMS 4. For example, 5, the user can place the bottle In a pneumatic device with an embedded RFID reader, the RFID reader reads the RFID tag of the bottle to determine the correct destination of the bottle and pneumatically sends the bottle to the destination defined by the rfid logo. The initial stylization automatically triggers alerts (eg, electronic messages, events, emails) of a given type and number of samples that are expected to arrive in the lab shortly to other departments (such as an anatomic pathology lab). This allows the lab to plan ahead for incoming samples 129459.doc -32- 200903343 and can help prevent lost bottles from being noticed. In addition, SMS 4 can automatically redirect some samples to an alternate laboratory based on laboratory capacity and the amount of sample entering the system. In this case, SMS 4 can interact with LIS 22 via the API to notify the lab of any changes to the destination. Figure 6A is a screen illustration of an example user interface 100 presented by an RFID station (e.g., RFID station UA of Figure 2) of a sample management system (SMS) 4 for staging sample bottles. The user can interact with the SMS 4 via the user interface 1 and the user interface 100 can be presented on a computing device such as the client computing device 50A (Fig. 2). As shown in FIG. 6A, the user interface 100 includes a message window 1 that presents a notification or feedback message to the user. In the example shown, the message window 102 teaches the user to place the bottle i on a pad (e.g., antenna 44A). The user interface also includes a total bottle count field of 1 to 4 indicating the total number of bottles for the current case, and a case entry line 1〇6 providing information about the current case. For example, the case entry line 106 includes a case identifier (ID), patient m, patient name, program identifier, and program date. The user interface 1 further includes a bottle form 1 〇 8 indicating information relating to the bottle to be stylized. Arrow 丨1〇 The luminosity enhances the information related to the current bottle (4)p, bottle 待 to be programmed. Bottle form 1G8 may include information such as the bottle number, the location from which the sample originated, and the description of the sample. In response to the prompt in the read message window, the user places the bottle 1 on the antenna pad 44A. Figure 6A is a screen illustration of another example user interface 100 for stylizing sample bottle iSMS 4. The message window display bottle _ has been stylized by 129459.doc • 33- 200903343 and teaches the user to remove the bottle 1 from the antenna pad 44 A. The proofreading mark 112 indicates that the bottle 1 has been successfully programmed. The SMS 4 can similarly prompt the user to place the bottle 2 and the bottle 3 on the pad to be stylized in order until all the bottles used in this case have been programmed. In some embodiments, the SMS 4 can use a walk-away timer so that the unique case information will be removed from the user interface 100 after the inactivity timeout period. This ensures that the displayed information is not visible when the item is not noticed on the 111?113 tracking pad and helps protect patient information confidentiality. Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating in more detail an example process for using an RFID tag and SMS 4 during laboratory processing. A bottle (120) for a given case is received in the laboratory 16, and the SMS 4 can prompt the user to present the bottle within the scope of the RFID reader for RFID interrogation via the user interface to confirm for the case All of the bottles are present and no incorrect (mixed) bottles are in the group (122). The bottles may have a particular order associated therewith, and 4 may prompt the user to present the bottles sequentially in a predetermined sequence and may be used when the RFID reader reads the r-mark of the bottle in an order different than the predetermined order. Provide an alert. Confirmation can be performed at rfid*42 located in the laboratory. The example validation process is described in detail below with respect to Figure 12 and Figures UA through 13C. At this time, the user can also register the bottle to the laboratory i6 (i24) via the RFID reader 48 at the RFID station 42. Registering the bottle allows the SMS 4 to create a new entry in the SMS repository 41 to record the time 戮 5'. The time stamp indicates that the bottle is confirmed to be present in the laboratory 16 at the time indicated by the time stamp. I29459.doc •34- 200903343 The bottle can also be assigned a registration number (126) (Figure 1) that is entered into a separate laboratory information system (LIS) repository 22. The deposit number can also be recorded by SMS 4. Alternatively, the registration number can be automatically populated in the LIS database 22 based on information read from the RFID tag on the bottle (such as the case ID and bottle number), or can be directly transferred from the SMS repository 41 to the LIS database. twenty two. In either case, the information stored in the LIS database 22 will be consistent with the information stored in the SMS database 41. In one embodiment, the laboratory 丨6 does not include a separate LIS repository 22, but simply references the SMS repository 41. In some embodiments, SMS 4 may include a data dictionary to translate terms used in the operating room into terms for use in the LIS. This allows practitioners in each region to continue to use their own established terminology without inconsistency. The sample from the bottle can then be processed into a block (丨 28). For example, the sample from the bottle can be cut into smaller pieces, and the pieces can be placed in separate crystals. The wafer may already include a label and an rfid mark (e.g., the wafer may be fabricated to include a label and an RFID mark), or the label & RFID mark may be attached to the wafer while the sample is placed in the wafer. The label and RFm logo can be printed and encoded at the laboratory 16, similar to the process described above with respect to the bottles in the operating room. Although the following description is based on the RFID signature of the stylized crystal before placing the sample on the wafer, in the case of a real example, the RFID can be processed after the wafer and the sample have been processed to form a bulk. . The unique serial number used to mark the scent or block is recorded in the coffee* and associated with the patient record. Other information may also be stored in (10) 129 129459.doc -35- 200903343 and associated with the patient record, such as the block number, and the number of the bottle from which the sample originated. In addition, the RFID tag (130) on each block can be programmed using similar information including the case identifier, the patient identifier, the block number, and the number of the bottle from which the sample originated. As described in more detail below, it can be derived directly from the sample on the block

The bottle is stylized as a wafer or block, such as by placing the bottle on the RFID antenna pad 44 at the RFID station 42 and sequentially placing the wafer or block on the RFID antenna pad 44. The SMS 4 can prompt the user to place the first block on the RFID antenna pad 44 with the bottle and prompt the user to remove the first block after the RFID tag of the stylized block. The SMS 4 can then prompt the user to place the second block on the RFID antenna pad 44 with the bottle and then program the RFID tag of the second block, etc., until all the wafers or blocks used in the case The body has been programmed. Upon detecting the presence of the RFID tag associated with the source bottle and the flag for the block, the SMS 4 can transfer or copy the information from the bottle's ruler to the block's RFID tag. Alternatively, the detection of the flag may be the primary of the record of the unique serial number of the RFID tag used to trigger the block within the patient record of the SMS 4. In either case, this ensures that the correct patient information and bottle information are associated with each block produced by the laboratory. The sample in the wafer can then be processed, such as by dehydrating the tissue, adding paraffin or wax, and cooling the block to form a sample block (the RFID mark of the 132 wafer can be received before the sample, but after receiving the sample but Stylized before being processed into a block or after being processed into a block. A slide (134) of a sample may also be prepared at an anatomic pathology laboratory. 129459.doc -36- 200903343 Using a microtome, the sample from the block will be finely scraped into a medium piece before being placed on a separate slide to be placed in a water bath to be made to include the standard iron and the rfid mark, or when the sample is placed on the slide; Labeling the tag and RFID to the carrier dr can be designed to invite you around the bar, not to heart /...", 'extend with the work room' or extend around the circumference of the slide A three-dimensional antenna to allow for a longer reading range. Labels and RFID tags can be printed and coded at lab 16 similar to the process described above for bottles in the operating room. The slides can then be dyed and added Slider. σ Place the slide on a number of slides Among the books, and the books may also include an RFID tag. SM 2 is updated by the number of the new coffee record to record the serial number of the slide and the serial number is associated with the current patient record (136). For each slide: the block identifier and/or the bottle identifier from which the tissue on the slide is recorded. The light on the mother's slide can also be used such as case identifier, suffering -5B, The block code and the information on the number of the bottle or block from which the sample originated are programmed. As will be described in more detail below, the m-slice can be programmed directly from the block from which the sample originated, and Sms * The user interface may require that one of the block and the corresponding carrier be placed on the RFID antenna pad 44 at the RFID station 42 in recording any information and providing the user with a confirmation indicator. The SMs 4 may allow the RFID tag of the block or slide to be programmed only when the block or the RFID of the slide and the corresponding rfid of the bottle or block are within the range of the antenna. Similarly, SMS 4 May require a pre-疋% interval before allowing the RFID tag of the stylized block to be The RFID tag of the block and the corresponding bottle rfid 129459.doc -37· 200903343 'for both. This ensures that the correct patient information is propagated from the block to each individual slide. As another example, the sample is sliced into The slicer for the cross section of the slide can include an embedded RFID reader to automatically determine which block is sliced, and the information can then be used to automatically program the slide. The water bath can also include a sense reader. To automatically program the slide to correspond to the block in the microtome. For example, the RFIDtt can be placed near the water bath and can be loaded by removing the sample from the water bath and onto the slide. The film is placed in the Han (four) reading, near the device to program the slide. As a quality control measure, the purchaser can be coordinated to allow the program to be loaded only when the associated block and/or view are present at the same time. As a further example, the surface on which the sample is placed onto the slide can include an RFID item picker. In the example embodiment, the information contained in the slide label 7 can automatically drive the dyeing machine to stain the slide in a particular manner. As another example, the data on the slide RFm flag can alert the user to the appropriate staining protocol for the sample. The slides can then be sent to the pathologist's office 24 for analysis (138). Figure 8A is a block diagram illustrating an example sample block to which an RFID tag 144 is attached. The block 140 holds the tissue sample 142. Sample 142 can be a portion of the sample received in the bottle. As described above, the RFm label 144 can be programmed at the anatomic pathology laboratory before or after placing the sample 142 within the sample block 14〇, and can utilize the RFID from the bottle from which the sample 142 originated. The information obtained by or associated with the RFID tag is stylized. The sample block 140 can also include human readable and/or machine readable labels (not shown in Figures 129459.doc-38-200903343), including information identifying the sample, case number, or patient. The RnD flag 144 may be built into the sample block 140 during manufacture of the sample block 14 (ie, when the sample block 14 is a wafer), or may be used when the sample block 140 is to be initially used. The health care facility is attached to the sample block 14〇. Because the sample block 140 can be exposed to liquids or chemicals during dehydration and experience temperature extremes, the RFID tag 144 can be specifically constructed to withstand such environmental conditions. Figure 8B is a block diagram illustrating an example sample slide 15 附着 with an RFID tag 156 attached thereto. The slide 150 holds the sample 154 under the slide cover 152. Sample 154 can be part of a sample from a block. As described above, the rfid marker 156 can be programmed at the anatomical pathology laboratory when the sample 丨5 4 is placed on the slide 5 5 ,, and the slide derived from the sample 154 can be utilized. 2Rfid The information obtained by or associated with the rFID logo is stylized. The slide 150 can also include a human readable and/or machine readable label (not shown) including information identifying the sample, case number or patient. The rfid logo 156 can be placed on the slide during manufacture of the slide 150. In the 15th, or may be attached to the slide i at the health care facility when the slide is initially used. Because the slides 15 5 can be exposed to liquids or chemicals during dehydration and experience temperature extremes, the RFID markers 156 can be specifically fabricated to withstand such environmental conditions. The printer can be used in the laboratory to print onto blocks or slides. The human readable tag and the RFID tag can be printed/encoded based on information manually entered by the user or based on the code known from the SMS database 41. The Sell/Writer can be included with the printer to program the RFID logo when the human readable label for the block or moon is printed. This may be 129459.doc -39- 200903343 because it combines printing and programming in a single step and ensures that the printed information matches the stylized information. Figure 8C is a block diagram illustrating an example RFID station 158 for stylizing RFID tags. The RFID station 158 includes an RFID antenna pad 160, an RFID reader 162, and a client computing device 164 that presents a user interface to guide the user through the process of programming the items identified. The user can interact with the RFIDS 158 for programming the RFID tag 174A on the sample block 1 70 using the RFID tag 168 on the sample bottle 166. The SMS 4 can provide a software application that can be accessed to the user via the user interface of the client computing device W4. SMS 4 (via software application) requires the user to place certain items on the antenna pad 160 to be programmed to be used as the RFID target for programming the block 1 7A, 174 A. The first thing. For example, the SMS 4 may require that the user place the bottle 1 66 and the block 170A with the sample 172A from the bottle 166 on the liner 160 before transferring the patient information from the RFID tag of the bottle to the RFID tag of the block. on. The SMS 4 can only detect two RFID tagging ambiguities within the time period of each other to allow the RFID tag of the stylized block. The RFID reader 162 can read the information from the RFID tag 168 of the bottle 166 and write this information to the RFID tag 1^74A or update SMS4 of the block 170A to associate the block 170A with the bottle 1 66. For example, the information can include a case ID associated with sample 172A on block 170A. After the RFID flag '174' of the stylized block 170A, 81^4 will prompt the user to remove the block 1 70A from the 1^1 antenna pad 160. After detecting that the user has removed the block 1 ' SMS 4 129459.doc -40 · 200903343 can prompt the user to place the second block on the RFID antenna pad 160 β SMS 4 can be referenced by the block The identifier of the body (ie, ' ” puts the block 1 on the pad ',) to prompt the user to sequentially place the block on the RFID antenna pad 160 and remove the RFID antenna lining in a predetermined order. In this manner, the SMS 4 directs the user to program the block for one of the patient cases using the information of the corresponding bottle 166 from which the sample Π2 is derived. As a result, it is well known that the block 170 is associated with the bottle 166. For example, the RFID tag 174 of the block 170 can be a given unique ID based on the ID of the bottle 166. The SMS 4 can also query the rfid flag 174A after the stylized RFID tag 174A to The information read by the RFID tag 168 of the bottle 166 confirms that the information programmed to the RFID tag 1 74A is correct. The SMS 4 can detect that an incomplete project group has been presented (eg, 'on a time period), and It provides an alert to the user. SMS 4 allows the user to override the alert Processing items continue, and an indication of the user overshooting alert can also be recorded in the SMS repository 41. Figure 8D is a block diagram illustrating an example RFID station 175 for stylizing an RFID tag. The RFID station 175 can include, as The same RFII) antenna pad 160, RFID reader 162 and client computing device 164 as described in 8C can also be used to program the RFID tag 178A on the sample carrier 176A using the RFID tag 174A on the sample block 170A. The RFID reader 162 can read the information from the block 170 181, and write the information to the RFID tag 178A of the carrier 176A and/or record the serial number of the information and the RFID tag 178A. To SMS 4. For example, the information may include a case ID associated with the sample 1 80 on the slide 1 76A. The SMS 4 is used in a manner similar to that described in relation to Figure 8C, 129459.doc -41 - 200903343 The patient program is used to program the slide 1% a and the other slides 176 using the corresponding block 170A from which the matching sample 18A is derived. In other embodiments, the SMS 4 may prompt the user from another load. Slice 176 stylized - slide 176. same RFID logo format It can be used on the RFID tag 168, 174 174 PI on the mother of '4 and 178, or in other embodiments can contain poor material to indicate the type of mark (for example, bottle mark 6, block mark ', Or the slide label.) The RFID logo can be manufactured using the type of logo that has been programmed. In other embodiments, some of the bottles, blocks or slides may include a bar code instead of an RFID tag. In some embodiments, the ulnar antenna may include a specific shape factor to hold the bottle, block, slide, and combinations thereof. For example, the RFID antenna liner 160 can include a Rigaku pin, a 匕祜 having a well for the bottle, a groove for the block, a separate area for the block and the tile and the slide. The rf(1) antenna is connected to the network 6 by a wireless connection, a network connection, and connected to the network 6 (Fig. 1) and/or. The star is connected to the network 6 by a user 鳊 computing device 丨64. The rfID read benefit 162 may include a processor' and may be communicated via the network 6 to a feeder for use with $4. The RFID Antenna Liner (10) and 叩1 Reader 162 can be specifically designed to benefit from the laboratory environment. For example, the coffee antenna liner 16 and the RFID refill 162 may be waterproof or may include a smooth surface that is easy to clean. The stylization function of SMS 4 can be automatically triggered when the item is placed on the coffee antenna pad 160, automatically triggered based on another process performed on the user side computing farm 164, in the RFm antenna pad The type of the mixed item is automatically triggered when it is detected, or can be initiated by the user via the brain 129459.doc -42 - 200903343 to access the button associated with the user interface 164 or the user interface of the client computing device 164. Figure 8E is a block diagram illustrating an example RFID station 158 for confirming the accuracy of an item for a patient case. The RFIr^158 can be the same RFID station used for the stylization process described with respect to the buckle and Figure 8D. For example, a user can interact with system 158 to interrogate RFID tags 174A through 174C ("RFID flag 174") on sample block 丨7〇8 to 丨7〇c ("block 170") Indeed

The accuracy of the information stylized to the RFID tag 174 is recognized, and the block 170 is determined to correspond to a single patient case. Although the bottle 166 is also present on the rfid antenna pad 160, the bottle 166 may or may not be used for confirmation. The validation process can be performed immediately after the stylized block and at other points during sample management. Sms 4 can mention that the user does not place the block 170 one after the other on the 171 〇 antenna pad 16 , until all the blocks used in the case 17 〇 (or all of the assembly) are present in the RFK) antenna. Up to the liner 160. Similar to the stylization process, 4 can specifically tell the phase of the phase confirmation (4) which blocks 170 are placed on the pad sequentially, and the expected block can be detected in the antenna pad 160 for a period of time. The alarm is provided in the case where the body 17G has elapsed before or when it is detected that it is the wrong block 17 相比 compared to the required block. For example, the figure illustrates the state of the RFIDs 158 after the user has been prompted and placed the third block " Please be a block diagram illustrating the actual leg 1) table 175 for confirming the accuracy of the item for the patient case. The lamp (1) table (7) can be used for the same coffee table as shown in the figure: Please describe the stylization process. For example, the user 129459.doc •43·200903343 can interact with the system 158 to interrogate the RFID tags 178-8 to 178〇 (|, 11171) on the sample slides i 76A through 76D ("slide 176"). The 〇 mark confirms the accuracy of the information stylized to the RFID mark 178, and confirms that the slide 176 white corresponds to a single patient case, although it is displayed if the block 〇 7 〇 A is also present on the antenna pad 160 , but the block 17 may or may not be used for validation. The validation process can be performed immediately after the stylized block, and at other points during sample management. sms 4 can be used by the user to slice 176- Placed one after the other on the leg antenna lining 16 , until all the slides 176 for the case (or all of the assembly) are present on the RFID antenna lining 16 。. Similar to the stylization process, 4 The user can be specifically told to sequentially place which slides m on the lining in a predetermined order for confirmation, and can elapse before the nava antenna pad 160 detects the expected slide 176 for a period of time. In case or when detected as required An alarm is provided in the case of the wrong carrier i 76. For example, Figure 8E illustrates the state of the RFID station 158 after the user has been prompted and placed on the RFID antenna pad 16A. Alternatively, Figures 80 and _ can be used to group the RFID stations used to program the block or the slides. For example, you can use the same information (such as '曰 曰 开 瓦 抵达 抵达 抵达The time of the laboratory (4) is to program a plurality of items substantially simultaneously (for example, 'bottles, blocks or slides. In this case, the bottle 166 shown in Fig. 8 and the block shown in Fig. 8F 170Α may or may not exist. The stylization of the project may be allowed only when the entire group of projects is simultaneously measured or when the entire group of projects is inferred within a predetermined time period. As another example, the project can be individually programmed. There is no need to programmatically remove the item from the RFID antenna pad 160 so that the final result is that all items are present at the pad at the same time. Figure 9A to Figure 9B are for stylization Screen description of the example user interface of the SMS 4 of the RFm logo. For example, the user interface 181 can be displayed on the client computing device 164 of Figures 8C-8D. In the example, the message window 182 teaches the user to place the bottle and block i onto the RFID antenna pad. The case entry line 184 indicates the current case being stylized. The bottle form 186 shows the current bottle to be placed on the ruler 1]:) the antenna pad 16〇, enhanced by the illuminance of arrow 190. Block form 188 shows The block to be placed on the RFID antenna pad 160, the first block reinforced by the arrow 192 luminosity. As each block is placed on the 111711) antenna pad 16 and programmed, the arrow 192 can be moved downward to enhance the next block luminosity. In the example of FIG. 9B, message window 182 indicates that blocks 1 through 3 have been programmed for use in the case indicated in case entry line 184 and teaches the user to remove the bottle from the RFID antenna pad 16 Block. Proofreading mark 194 indicates that blocks 1 through 3 have been successfully programmed. Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating in more detail an example process during analysis of a patient sample by a pathologist. Initially, a slide 2 (Fig. 1) (196) for a given case is received at the pathologist's office 24. The user can initially confirm the presence of all slides 20 for the case and the absence of mixed cases (i.e., slides from more than one patient case) (198). Confirmation can be performed at the 2Rfid station 42 in the laboratory, as described below with respect to Figure 12 and Figures 13A-13 (described in more detail. The user can also register the slide via the RFID reader 48 at the RFID station 42 To the Office of the Pathologist 24 (2〇〇). Registering the slides allows 129459.doc -45- 200903343 SMS 4 to create a new entry in the SMS repository 41 using a timestamp indicating that the slide is confirmed To be present in the laboratory 16 at the time indicated by the time stamp. At this point, the SMS 4 can automatically access the patient management system 9, the LIS 22, or other systems via one or more APIs, and is based on self-sustaining slices. The patient's case in the Π) or the patient in the SMS 4 is recorded to present the patient> to the user (202). For example, the user may obtain a patient record from the patient management system 9 or obtain a dictation from the dictation system regarding the collected sample (e.g., an end 〇 sc〇pist from the collection sample). This eliminates the need to manually enter tag information from the slides that may be biased towards data entry errors. The pathologist can then (for example) use a microscope to analyze the slide (2〇4) and generate a pathology report based on the analysis (2〇6). The SMS 4 allows the alert to be provided when the pathologist's report is not generated within a given time period in which the slide is received at the pathologist's office. The RFID reader antenna can be designed to fit near the slide platform on the microscope or can be integrated into the microscope so that when the slide is placed on the microscope, the RFm mark on the slide is on the ruler? 1 〇 Read the antenna area of the antenna and can be read and the appropriate patient information is displayed by SMs 4. In an embodiment, the RFID reader/antenna can be incorporated into the platform area of the microscope. This can be step-by-step to help ensure that the pathology report is based on the appropriate patient's data record and is associated with the appropriate patient's data record (2, 8). The system can also indicate whether the user has examined all of the slides for the case with the IK slides and can also be attached to the label. The TMrTM can also be read by the reader on or near the microscope. When the pathology = home completes the pathology report, the slide can be transferred to the saver position, and the new SMS database 41 is further reflected to reflect the transfer (21 〇). In one embodiment, the user interface can present the view of the slide in the microscope and the relevant patient data obtained via the RFID enabled SMS 4 to the user simultaneously on a single screen. Alternatively, the user interface of the client computing device can be positioned proximate to the microscope eyepiece at an angle that allows for a comfortable viewing of both the user interface and the eyepiece.

In some embodiments, the RFID marker can be used by a pathologist to input information for a case. For example, in some areas of pathology, there may be only a few of the major diagnostic options available. Different pre-programmed RFID tags can represent different diagnoses, allowing the pathologist to select the appropriate pre-programmed RFID tag and place the marker on the reader to indicate the diagnosed diagnosis. In this manner, pre-programming a set of RFID tags with diagnostic codes saves time by eliminating data entry and avoids confusion that may arise when handwritten notes are entered by the instrument. The SMS 4 can also provide a pathologist audit trail so that when a slide with an RFID logo is presented to the reader, the SMs 4 can lead to a history of activities associated with the slide. This can include who has seen the identification of the overloaded film, what previous diagnosis or annotations were entered, and other information about the history of the slide. SMS 4 can also provide automatic reporting to alert pathologists of expected but ungenerated pathology reports, or to identify high priority cases to help pathologists manage and prioritize their workload. Figure U is a flow chart illustrating in more detail an example process for using the coffee mark and SMS 4 during the storage of a patient sample. The item is received at saver % (212). The user can initially confirm that all expected items for the case exist (214). Items may include any remaining views or blocks, and all slides. 129459.doc • 47· 200903343 A confirmation is performed at the RFID station 42 within the save benefit 30, as described in more detail below with respect to Figures 12 and 13A-13C. The user can also register the item to the saver 3 (216) via the rfid reader 48 at rfid a 42. The registration item may cause the SMS 4 to create a new entry in the client record in the SMS repository 41 using a timestamp indicating that the item exists in the laboratory 16 at the time indicated by the time stamp. The item can then be moved to a storage within the saver 30 (218). You can also leave the project out of the saver at a later time. Figure 12 is a flow chart illustrating an example process for verifying the accuracy of sample information by SMS 4. Fig. 12 will be described with reference to Figs. 13A to nc. Figures 13A-13C are screen shots illustrating an example user interface of SMS 4 for confirming the accuracy of sample information. As mentioned above, the acknowledgment can be performed at multiple stations along the process from sample collection to analysis. For example, the validation routine can occur automatically after the stylization project and can involve confirming that the correct information is programmed into a forward-flowing bottle, that the complete case is stylized, and that there are no mixed cases. Acknowledgment can also occur at a point along the process, such as when the item is in transit, and can involve ensuring that the entire set of items exists without a mix of cases. The confirmation process will be described in terms of sample bottles, but can be similarly applied to the case of a block or slide. Indeed, it can occur at the RFID station 42. The user interface of the client computing device 5 can prompt the user to place all the bottles for the case on the antenna pad 44, or the user interface can prompt the user to specify during a period of time. The bottles are placed one at a time onto the rfid antenna pad 44 until all the bottles are on the pad (22 inches). RFID Antenna Pad 44 129459.doc -48- 200903343 The rfid logo (2d) of the bottle placed on the RFID antenna pad 44 is detected. The RFID reader 48 at the R station 42 can hold the information obtained from each of the sequentially queried RF! D flags in a time period = cumulatively, and based on the accumulated information. Whether a group of containers is a full group. When the RFID antenna pad 44 picks up the mixed bottle (i.e., the sparse from two or more patient cases) (224), the user interface provides an alert to the user (226). The alert may be an audible sound and/or a visible indication on the computing device 5 of the client. In the example of Figure 13A, the user interface 238: the window 240 informs the user that a mixed case has been detected' and teaches the user to place a bottle from only a single case onto the RFID antenna pad 44. The user can see from the bottle form 246 that not all bottles have (iv) case m and other information. When the RFID antenna pad 44 detects a blank flag (228), the user " face also provides an alert (23〇) to the user. In the example of Figure 13B, message window 240 indicates that a blank flag was detected. As shown in Figure nB, the user interface may also provide an alert when the flag has an unknown case ID (i.e., does not correspond to an entry in the SMS database 41). Entries 248 and 25 〇 describe the unknown I. And blank ID. When the R FID antenna pad 4 4 detects that all of the bottles for the case have not been detected (e.g., within a timeout period) (232), the user provides an alert to the user (234). An alert can indicate that some items are missing from the expected number of bottles. As another example, the user interface may provide an alarm when the user has prompted the user to place the ampoule bottle onto the RFID antenna pad 44, but the timeout expires before the antenna pad 44 detects the bottle. When the rfid antenna pad 129459.doc •49- 200903343 44 has a complete case of the child, the user interface is provided to the user.

A confirmation message has been detected for all bottles used in the case. As shown in Figure 13C, the message window 240 indicates that the debt has been detected and the user is prompted to remove the bottle from the RFID antenna liner 44. A proofreading mark 252 appears to indicate that the bottle has been detected. In addition to being visible, the user interface can provide a sound that matches the number of detected items. For example, when three bottles are placed on the RFID antenna pad 44 and three bottles are detected, a series of three audio signals can be emitted. In the case where a large number of bottles are present for a single case (such as more bottles I will be mounted on the RFID antenna spacer at the same time), the SMS 4 can be simultaneously presented in the bottle. Some of them, and the information from the bottle of the == batch is allowed to remain on the screen after the batch is removed for the gate period. In some embodiments, the validation process can be integrated into a part of the process of stylizing muscle D. For example, after the stylization project, the user can remove the item from the RFID antenna lining 44, place the item back onto the café antenna lining 44, and display the beasts that have been programmed on the Nabiao. And corresponding database information for users to check. The fact that the confirmation occurred may be recorded in the history of the job title (for example, (4) the database and may include the identity of the user performing the confirmation (such as by means of the RFID tag on the user's ID badge). An instance database entry within the sample management system 4, for example, (iv) a case entry in the database 41. The case entry 2 representation can be maintained as a single case and can be used to transmit an anatomical pathology sample of the patient. Examples of many objects. As shown in Figure 14, the case strip (4) 129459.doc • 50-200903343 includes a case number block 262 and a patient identifier field 264, which can provide a reference to patient records within the patient management system 9. The bottle number stop 266 refers to the number of bottles that are not associated with the case, and the bottle m stop 268 provides a unique identifier for the 11171 £> logo associated with each bottle and the current position of each bottle. The LIS ID block includes a LIS identifier that provides a reference to the patient record within the LIS 22. The block number field 272 indicates the number of blocks associated with the case, and the block ID block provides the following List: the unique identifier of the rFID flag of the block, the ID of the ri?Id flag of the bottle from which the organization block is derived, and the current position of each block. The slide number field 276 indicates the associated with the case. The number of slices, and the slides provide a list of the following: the unique identifier of the RFID tag used for the patient's slide, the ID of the RFID tag from the block from which the tissue on the slide is taken, and the bottle. And the current position of each slide. In the example of Figure 14, all bottles, blocks, and slides are located in the laboratory 7, as the samples are in the laboratory 7 and have just been processed into blocks and slides. Entry 260 is merely exemplary; more or less information may be stored in the SMS database 41 for the case. For example, the 'case entry 26' includes the patient's name and the item associated with the case. History log of previous location and time stamp. Case entry 26〇 may also include the desired destination block indicating the destination of the item associated with the case. If in an unexpected location (ie, not at the desired destination) Chasing on the path) To the project, an alert can be provided to the user along with information for retrieving the project on the expected path. 129459.doc •51 · 200903343 The system status report can be provided upon request by the user. (1) Overview can be made Any exceptions (for example, in a given period) but the m of the disease...have handled 100 cases yesterday, ...binarization (or, for example, confirmation, registration, ^.,,,) makes it easy for users The information related to the case is checked. The history of the project for the case of the case is also available. The SMS 4 can also provide an alarm when the specific event occurs. The report can take the following form: report, ° s ^ ° E-mail, pager to pager, e-note on the desktop of the computer to the phone or cellular phone. The alarm can be started in the case of multiple conditions; within the self-positioned item.../ The item is sent at a given time period I, but the item is not received at the location ;; item = lost; in the - time period yet Received a pathology report; the sample was traced, 'first, the next step in the process of not performing the process in a period of time. Fen/Li, 乂, and find the project at the location outside, Skip a process step; or other event. When reading the RFID tag of a project, the history of the project can be checked to ensure that the project has been sequenced by a specified sequence of steps prior to reading. Alerts can be provided when any call is identified. The previously read timestamp at the previous location may also occur to provide an alert prior to a predetermined time period. Figure b is a block diagram illustrating the printer 280 performing the following steps: printing the label with the label information 292, programming the information to the _mark 294', and confirming that the programmed RFID information is correct. The printer 28A includes a print output 290 for printing the label information 292 to the label 282. 129459.doc • 52· 200903343 The tag information 292 can be human readable information (such as herein or a symbol), or can be machine readable information (such as a bar code). Printer 280 also includes an RFID encoder 284 that is embedded in printer 280. The RFID encoder 280 uses the RFID reader 286 and the RFID antenna 288 to program the RFID tag 294 using information such as patient information, case information, sample information, unique ID, or other information. As shown, the RFID antenna 28 8 can be positioned to be closest to the printed output 290. The RFID antenna 288 can have a short read range, such as approximately 1 吋 (2.54 cm) or less. In this manner, RFID antenna 288 can be used by RFID encoder 280 to program only one RFID tag 294 from the spool of label 282 without the need to stylize any other RFID tag on the roll of the label. Printer 280 also includes a second RFID antenna 296 coupled to RFID reader 286. The second RFID antenna 296 can have a longer read range, such as at least 4 吋 (10.16 cm). The second RFID antenna 296 may be capable of performing operations that the RFID antenna 288 cannot perform due to the short read range of the RFID antenna 288. For example, the second RFID antenna 296 can be used to interrogate the RFID tag 294 after the tag 282 has been printed/encoded and attached to an anatomical pathology sample container (e.g., a bottle, block, or slide). The second RFID antenna 296 can confirm that the information programmed into the RFID tag 294 is accurate. Alternatively or additionally, the second RFID antenna 296 can be used to program the RFID tag 294 with additional information not programmed by the RFID antenna 288, such as information or other information associated with the patient case. The second RFID antenna 296 can utilize the information obtained from the SMS 4 to program the RFID tag 294. Figure 16 is a block diagram illustrating an example system 300 having a microscope 302. The 129459.doc-53-200903343 micromirror 2 has a ° applicator 312 for taking the rfid flag associated with the sample slide 3〇4. The microscope 302 includes a platform 306 for mounting the carrier 3 〇 4 and a lens 308 for amplifying the carrier 304. Eyepiece 310 can be used to view an enlarged view of the slide. The RFID reader 3丨2 can be attached to the microscope 3 1 〇 or integrated into the microscope 310' and can be designed to be located near the slide platform 3〇6 of the microscope such that when the slide 3〇4 is placed on the microscope At the time, the RFID on the carrier 304 is tagged within the interrogation zone of the antenna of the RFID reader 312 and can be read by the RFIDs hopper 312. Microscope 302 can be in communication with client computing device 314. Reading the RFID tag of the slide 3〇4 triggers the opening of the patient record by the client computing device from the SMS 4 or US 22 and displays the appropriate patient information on the display 316. Alternatively, if the patient record has been opened, the reading of the slide 3's RFID tag confirms that the slide ID matches the open record and provides an alert to the user if it does not match. This can be step-by-step to help ensure that the Journal of Pathology is based on an appropriate patient's data record and is associated with the appropriate patient's data record. In addition, the RFID tag of the read slide 304 can automatically correlate the pathologist's report with the patient's case based on the information retrieved from the RFID tag. In one embodiment, the display 316 can be simultaneously presented to the user on a single screen: a slide view 318 of the slide 3〇4 magnified by the microscope 3〇2, and obtained via SMS 4, which is used by RFID. And displayed on the display 316 as patient data about the patient profile view 320. Alternatively, the display 316 of the user computing device 314 can be positioned close to the eyepiece 129459.doc-54-200903343 of the microscope 3〇2 at an angle that allows for a comfortable viewing of both the display 316 and the eyepiece. In another embodiment, the client computing device 314 can transfer the patient information obtained from the SMS 4 to the microscope 3Q2, and the eyepiece can present a combined view of both the extended slide and the patient information to the user. Various embodiments of the invention have been described. For example, although described in relation to the environment for processing anatomic pathology samples, the techniques can be used in a variety of other environments, such as 'processing clinical samples. As another example, although the tendon marker is described for the purpose of example, but

Or in an alternative, a bar code can be used. For example, items such as bottles, blocks, or slides may have a bar code label instead of the standard for tracking items, and these and other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary network environment in which radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is used to manage patient-specific materials throughout a sample collection and analysis process. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a simplified view of a network environment within a healthcare facility. FIG. 0 FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process performed by a healthcare facility while utilizing the RFID sample management and tracking techniques described herein. Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing in more detail an example of the process of utilizing the ruler mark during patient entry. Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating in more detail an example process for using an rfid flag and a sample management system during sample collection. Figures 6A through 6B are screen shots illustrating an example user interface of a sample management system for stylizing sample bottles. 129459.doc -55- 200903343 Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating in more detail an example process for the use of RFID tags and sample government systems at the laboratory. 8A is a block diagram illustrating a real image attached to an RFm mark. FIG. 8B is a block diagram illustrating (4) a sample of the sample of the sample of FIG. 8C. FIG. 8C is a diagram for explaining the use of the sample bottle on the ^FID mark m. A block diagram of an example system of RFID tags on a sample block. Figure 8D is a block diagram illustrating an example system for programming an RFID target on a sample slide using the iRFm flag on the sample block. Figures 8E through 8F are block diagrams illustrating an example RFID station for confirming the accuracy of an item for a patient case. Figures 9A-9B are screen shots illustrating an example user interface of a sample management system for RFID tags on a 111?11) stylized sample block on a sample bottle. Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating in more detail an example process for using an RFID tag and a sample management system during pathologist analysis of a patient sample. 11 is a flow chart illustrating in more detail an example process for using an rfid flag and a sample management system during storage of a patient sample. Figure 12 is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for verifying the accuracy of sample information by a sample management system in more detail. 13A-13C are screen illustrations illustrating an example user interface of a sample management system for confirming the accuracy of sample information. Figure 14 shows the sample sample management system case 129459.doc -56 - 200903343 in the sample management system database. Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the printer's combination of label information and stylized RFID information, and confirming that the programmed RFID information is correct. Figure 16 is a block diagram of a system with an example of a microscope. The microscope has an RFID reader for reading the RFID tag associated with the sample slide. [Main component symbol description]

2 Network environment 4 Sample management system 6 Network 8 Patient access 9 Patient management system 10 Patient 12 Operating room 14 Bottle 16 Laboratory 18 Tissue block 20 Slide 22 LIS database 24 Pathologist 30 Save benefit 41 Database 42A RFID station 129459.doc -57- 200903343 42N RFID station 44A antenna 44N antenna 48A RFID reader 48N RFID reader 50A client computing device 50B client computing device 50C client computing device 52 user 100 user interface 102 Message window 104 Total bottle count field 106 Case entry line 108 Bottle form 110 Arrow 112 Proof mark 140 Block 142 Tissue sample 144 RFID mark 150 Carrier 152 Slide 154 Sample 156 RFID mark 158 RFID station 129459.doc -58- 200903343 160 RFID Antenna Pad 162 RFID Reader 164 Client Computing Device 166 Sample Bottle 168 RFID Mark 170A Block 170B Block 170C Γ. Block 172 A Sample 172Β Sample 172C Sample 174Α RFID Mark 174Β RFID Mark 174C RFID Mark 175 RFID Table 176Α Carrier 176Β Carrier 176C Slice 176D Slide. 178Α RFID Logo 178Β RFID Logo 178C RFID Logo 178D RFID Logo 180Α Sample 129459.doc -59- 200903343 180B Sample 180C Sample 180D Sample 181 User Interface 182 Message Window 184 Case Entry Line 186 Bottle Form 188 Block Form 190 arrow 192 arrow 194 proofreading mark 238 user interface 240 message window 246 bottle form 248 entry 250 entry 252 proofreading mark 260 case entry 262 case number position 264 patient identifier field 266 bottle number stop 268 bottle ID field 272 block Body number shelf 276 Slide number shelf 129459.doc -60- 200903343 280 Printer 282 Printed label 284 RFID encoder 286 RFID reader 288 RFID antenna 290 Print output 292 Label information 294 RFID mark 296 Second RFID antenna 300 302 302 Microscope 304 Sample Slide 306 Platform 308 Lens 310 Eyepiece 312 RFID Reader 314 Client Computing 316 Display 3 18 Slide View 320 Patient Data View 129459.doc - 61 -

Claims (1)

200903343 X. Patent application scope: 1. A method of 'contains · The patient collects one or more self-organized samples at a surgical site in a medical facility; at the surgical location, stylized and contains when one is ten ^ ^ Or associated radio frequency identification (RFID) associated with a set of anatomical pathology sample containers of a plurality of tissue samples in a first information management system, the identifiers of the RFIEs are associated with a patient associated with the patient Recording an association; receiving one or more of the set of anatomical pathology sample containers at a laboratory; querying at the laboratory for at least one RFID marker of the anatomical pathology sample containers to obtain identification information; using the identification Information from the first information management system to obtain information about the patient; and The patient information is stored in a laboratory information system. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first information management system is a patient management system. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first information management system is the same management system. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the identification information is an identifier associated with the patient record. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the identification information is an identifier associated with one of the RFID tags. 129459.doc 200903343 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: prior to collecting the one or more tissue samples: registering the patient at a patient entry location; and providing the patient with a patient having an RFID marker Identify items. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: after providing the patient identification item to the sputum patient: receiving the patient at the surgical location; the beta sentence asking the patient to identify the RFID marker of the item to obtain patient identification information; And confirming the surgical position based on the patient identification information as a correct surgical position for the patient. 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the patient identifies the item as a patient identification bracelet. 9. 10. The method of month long item 6, further comprising: providing an alert when the patient enters the location and d does not collect the one or more tissue samples within a time period after the patient. h. The method of claim 1 wherein the step comprises: not receiving the set of anatomy at the laboratory within one hour after the programmed 10th mark associated with the set of small pathological sample containers An alarm is provided for the pathology sample container. The method of claim 1, further comprising: , and wherein the one or more anatomical pathology sample containers received by the sample from the laboratory are transferred to - the second type - or a plurality of anatomical pathology samples Containers; and 129459.doc 200903343 These tissue samples were processed at the ° Hai laboratory. The method of month length item 11 includes the step of prompting a user to transfer the processed tissue sample from the laboratory to a pathologist's office. 13. The method of claim ", further comprising: & the Office of Pathology, receiving the processed tissue samples; analyzing the processed tissue samples in the Office of Pathology; and & This analysis produces a report of the pathologist. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein receiving the processed tissue samples at the pathologist's office comprises receiving sample slides containing the processed tissue samples, wherein each of the sample slides Having a ^^出标5' further includes: inquiring about at least one of the sample slides to extract identification information; accessing the first information management system to determine a based on the identification information a patient case corresponding to the sample slides; and correlating the pathology report with the patient case based on the identification information retrieved from the RFID tag. 15. Further, as in the method of claim 13, further The method includes: receiving the analyzed tissue samples at a saver, the saver having an RFID station, the rfID station is configured to query at least one RFID mark of the anatomical pathology sample container to obtain identification information and use the identification information to update The first information management system; and storing the tissue samples at the saver. 129459.doc 200903343 16. The method of claim 13 which further comprises: The pathologist's report «provides an alert when the pathologist's office receives one of the processed tissue samples for a period of time that is not produced. 17. A system that includes: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in the operating room a table for collecting from a patient - or a plurality of tissue samples, the rfid table in the operating room is programmed to form an anatomic pathology with one or more tissue samples An RFID tag associated with the sample container and associated with the identifier of the RFID tag in a first information management system with a patient record associated with the patient; and an RFID station in the laboratory for Receiving one or more of the set of anatomical pathology sample containers and processing the tissue samples, the RFID station in the laboratory being configured to query at least the RFID tag of the anatomical pathology sample containers for identification information Using the identification information, the patient information is retrieved from the information management system, and the patient information is stored in a laboratory information system. 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first information management system is a patient management system. 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the first information management system is the same management system. 2. The system of claim 17, wherein the identification information is an identifier associated with the patient record. The system of claim 1, wherein the identification information is an identifier associated with one of the RFID tags. 129459.doc 200903343 22. The system of claim 17, further comprising a patient management system configured to register the patient at a patient entry location and prior to collecting the one or more tissue samples The patient is provided with a patient identification item having an RFID tag. 23. The system of claim 17, further comprising: an RFID station within the office of the pathologist receiving the processed tissue samples from the laboratory and analyzing the processed tissue samples, the pathologist The RFID station in the office is configured to interrogate at least one RFID tag of the anatomical pathology sample container to obtain identification information and use the identification information to retrieve patient information from the first information management system. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the pathologist's office generates a report from a pathologist based on the analysis of the processed tissue samples. 25. The system of claim 23, further comprising: an RFID station within the holder that receives the tissue samples from the pathologist's office and stores the tissue samples, the RFID station in the holder The at least one RFID tag of the anatomical pathology sample container is configured to obtain identification information and the identification information is used to update the first information management system. 129459.doc